Atkins Clock Company of Bristol, Connecticut. A large Gallery clock.

Originally called an “OG Octagon,” this large gallery wall clock is somewhat difficult to find in today’s marketplace. The case size impressive. It measures 26 inches across the back. It is veneered in rosewood and is trimmed with with a decorative ripple formed molding. The circular aperture is fitted with glass which protects the dial. This painted zinc dial measures 18 inches diameter and is original to the clock. It is in very good condition. This example retains it’s original clockmaker’s label which is pasted inside the case on the backboard. This label is in good condition and reads, “Thirty-Day / CLOCKSANDTIME-PIECES / Made and Sold by the / ATKINSCLOCKCOMP’Y / Bristol, CT.” This firm was established in October of 1855 to succeed the Atkins, Whiting & Company. This company built a number of clocks using Ives patent movements until they were forbidden to do so by Ives in June 1858. This firm went bankrupt in June of 1858.

The movement is a combination of brass gearing and steel pinions. The large brass plates are rectangular shaped. The movement is powered by springs. The tension being equalized over the run by fusee cones . Both the fusees and the springs are mounted in a cast iron bracket that is attached to the bottom of the works. When fully wound, this clock is designed to run 30 days. The pendulum hangs from a mount above the movement. The rod is wood and the bob is brass. These movements are excellent runners and typically require little service.

This clock is inventory number VV-70.

About Atkins Clock Company of Bristol and later Forestville, Connecticut.

Merritt W. Atkins was born in 1804 and died in 1873 at the age of 69. He worked in both Bristol and later Forestville, Connecticut. He was a manufacturer of brass movement clocks and was involved in several firms.